James M. Jeffords: “I want to commend Senators Grassley and Baucus for the contributions they have made to this very important measure. They…”

“I want to commend Senators Grassley and Baucus for the contributions they have made to this very important measure. They worked diligently to come up with the funding to pay for the programs contained in this legislation. The Finance Committee has provided the revenue to meet the needs of the three committees that contributed to this bill. In doing so they protected revenue that deserves to be in the highway trust fund and found appropriate ways to offset these costs. Through their hard work we can report that this bill is paid for. Technically, a budget point of order can be lodged against this bill because a small amount of general revenue is needed. But I want all my colleagues to remember that we have gone beyond the budget for the war, for defense spending, and for tax cuts. Has the spending contained in these type of measures resulted in the creation of U.S.-based jobs? That is debatable. But this bill is a jobs bill. There is no doubt in anyone's mind that this bill will create many, many jobs. Should we bring this bill down over a small technicality? No. We should pass this bill today. I yield the floor with full confidence that we will do so. Thank you, Mr. President.”